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Key Points

A daring police operation in Rajkot, Gujarat has exposed a disturbing child trafficking network involving 19 minors from West Bengal. The children were discovered in a residential property, working under horrific conditions in an imitation jewelry production setup. Initial medical examinations revealed physical abuse, with injury marks suggesting systematic exploitation. Authorities are investigating the broader trafficking network and potential legal actions against the property owner and contractors involved.

Key Points: Gujarat Police Rescue 19 Trafficked Children from Rajkot Sweatshop

  • Rescued children from West Bengal forced into illegal labor
  • Owned by contractor Babu Bala in residential property
  • Medical examinations reveal signs of physical abuse
  • Part of suspected larger trafficking network in Gujarat
2 min read

Child trafficking: 19 rescued from illegal confinement in Gujarat's Rajkot

Shocking child trafficking operation in Rajkot reveals widespread exploitation of minors in illegal jewelry production network

"Children were found in distressing conditions with injury marks - Rajkot Police Official"

Rajkot, June 6

At least 19 children, allegedly held captive and forced to work in imitation jewellery production, were rescued from Gujarat's Rajkot.

The Rajkot City Police and the Special Operations Group (SOG), along with the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, rescued the children, all believed to be from West Bengal, from a house in a residency near Bedichowk.

According to officials, the children were found in distressing conditions and have been immediately sent for medical check-ups.

Initial examinations have reportedly revealed injury marks on their hands and backs, suggesting physical abuse.

Authorities are investigating whether the children were subjected to coercion and violence.

Preliminary investigation reveals that these children had been brought to Rajkot over the past two years by a contractor, who employed them for manual labour in violation of child protection laws.

The residence from which they were rescued is owned by a man identified as Babu Bala.

Investigators are probing whether a rental agreement was in place. If not, further legal action for violating tenancy laws and aiding trafficking may be initiated.

The authorities suspect this to be part of a larger child trafficking and bonded labour network operating in Gujarat, with Rajkot emerging as a troubling hotspot. This is not the first such case in Rajkot.

In April, a similar raid in Jetpur had resulted in the rescue of 31 child labourers from two saree factories. Those children had been trafficked from states like Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Gujarat.

In that incident, too, police acted on a tip-off from an NGO and found the children working in hazardous conditions.

Meanwhile, in July 2024, Ahmedabad Police rescued 29 children forced into begging by trafficking networks linked to Rajasthan.

The operation targeted 18 hotspots in the city known for child exploitation.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is absolutely heartbreaking 💔 How can people be so cruel to innocent children? The authorities must conduct thorough investigations and break this entire trafficking network. Strictest punishment should be given to all involved - from contractors to factory owners.
R
Rahul S.
Gujarat is supposed to be a developed state, yet we keep hearing about such cases. Where is the accountability? The police need to be more proactive rather than waiting for NGO tip-offs. This is a national shame.
A
Ananya M.
The fact that this keeps happening shows systemic failure. We need better coordination between states to prevent trafficking. These poor children from Bengal and other states are being exploited while officials turn a blind eye. Shameful!
S
Sanjay P.
While the rescue is good, what happens next? These children need rehabilitation, education and psychological support. The government should ensure they're not just sent back to poverty where they might get trafficked again. Long-term solutions needed!
N
Neha T.
As a mother, this news makes me sick to my stomach. How can anyone treat children like this? 😡 We need stronger laws and faster courts to deal with such cases. Also, society needs to be more vigilant - if you see something suspicious, REPORT IT!
V
Vikram J.
The landlord should face equal punishment if he knew what was happening in his property. We need to hit these networks at every level - from transporters to employers to property owners. Only then will this stop.

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